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Santa Monica Travel Guide

Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica

530 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, California 90405, USA

Paul Feinstein

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Le Meridien Delfina Santa Monica

530 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, California 90405, USA

A beachy vibe permeates this hotel, and it should, being only four blocks from the Pacific. But beyond the oceanic airiness, the hotel bustles with young couples, Silicon Beach entrepreneurs, and family vacationers looking for a little Santa Monica fun. True to its brand, the hotel does its best to enhance its surroundings while keeping a bit of French sensibility, which manifests itself with a number of unique amenities.

room

Opt for an upper floor as the ocean and city views are nothing short of spectacular. Each room continues the beach-going vibe with lots of natural light and light blue aesthetics. Balconies can be found in about 95% of the rooms as well.

A suite is worth splurging on--especially when you see the Jacuzzi tub on the balcony overlooking the Pacific. If that’s not mood-loosener, then we can’t help you.

bathroom

Black countertops, white-tiled floors, and a great vanity mirror make up most of the bathrooms along with shower/tub combos. Malin & Goetz products are also a nice touch.

lobby

The lobby is the central part of the hotel with plenty of lounging areas resting underneath birds-nest styled chandeliers. The airy hangout is also home to the breakfast area and bar.

YOU SHOULD KNOW There’s a $28 resort fee, but with that comes free Wi-Fi, bike rentals, fitness classes, champagne, and complimentary overnight parking--make good use of it.

pool

Guests enjoy full service food and beverage at this classy pool, which also features first-come-first-serve cabanas and fire pits. There are a bevy of lounge chairs so you’ll never go wanting for your tanning excursions.

gym

Cybex machines, free weights, and yoga mats are all available, and classes can be reserved upon request.

dining

The Longitude Bar and Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with both indoor and outdoor seating. California cuisine is on the menu and the hotel also provides guests with complimentary coffee coupons when you need that caffeine rush.

drinking

At the heart of the hotel is the Longitude Bar in the back of the lobby which has craft cocktails that go perfectly with a California sunset. Upstairs from the bar is the Sandbox, a hidden away spot in the hotel that’s perfect for watching the big game, playing pool, shuffleboard, or sliding pieces off the giant version of Jenga.

LOCATION

Getting Around

Rent a car if you plan on staying here. Even though there’s a resort fee, it comes with overnight parking, and you won’t find a cheaper option in town. Uber and Lyft rides are ubiquitous, but another alternative is hopping on the metro which is only an 11-minute walk from the hotel.

Restaurants

Seafood lovers should head over to Catch inside Hotel Casa del Mar (9-minute walk) and request a seat by the ocean view windows. If you want to get your jerk chicken fix, check out Cha Cha Chicken (8-minute walk) for over-the-counter Caribbean cuisine.

Bars

Chez Jay (9-minute walk) is a classic Santa Monica dive with cheap suds and lively crowds. For more refined fare, check out the bar at Casa del Mar (9-minute walk) where you’ll find live music on most nights.

WHY WE LIKE IT

Proximity to the beach goes a long way, and so does the ability to walk to bars, restaurants, and the ever-growing LA metro system. The hotel is a fun hub for food, drinks, and long days at the pool. Though it’s not in a bustling area in and of itself, you do avoid throngs of tourists taking selfies on the sidewalk. Ultimately, the views are stellar, the service is solid, and the perks (minus the resort fee) are worth the price.